Laurie Buckhout: China Did Not Agree To Buy U.S. Flue-Cured Tobacco Because Of The Trade War, Which Threatened North Carolina’s Economy As The Country’s Largest Tobacco Producer With Over 800 Tobacco Farms That Generated $557 Million In Revenue And Employed 5,000 Workers
China Did Not Agree To Buy The 2025 American Flue-Cured Tobacco Crop And Delayed Or Refused To Pay For Purchased 2024 Tobacco Leaf Because Of Tariffs
2025: China Tobacco International Notified U.S. Suppliers They Would Not Purchase The American Flue-Cured Tobacco 2025 Crop
2025: China Tobacco International Notified U.S. Suppliers They Would Not Purchase The American Flue-Cured Tobacco 2025 Crop. “North Carolina’s flue-cured tobacco sector is staring at a volatile harvest season as U.S.-China trade tensions shift month to month and buyers reassess 2025 contracts. China Tobacco International has notified suppliers it will not purchase flue-cured tobacco from the 2025 crop — the same crop farmers are currently harvesting — citing uncertainty related to the unstable geopolitical landscape, particularly tariffs. The cancellation, effective Tuesday, was confirmed to North State Journal by N.C. Agribusiness Council President Jeffrey Lee. ‘It’s the whole entire flue-cured tobacco belt,’ Lee said. ‘Florida, South Carolina, North Carolina and Virginia.’ President Donald Trump has used tariffs as a bargaining chip against other nations in an effort to lessen levies on American goods. The Trump administration has engaged in back-and-forth negotiations with China that have led to a 10% increase on Chinese goods, but proposed stiffer tariffs have been paused multiple times as the two nations discuss a trade deal.” [North State Journal, 8/21/25]
- North State Journal Headline: “NC Tobacco Farmers Face Uncertainty As China Cancels Contracts.” [North State Journal, 8/21/25]
2025: China Did Not Agree To Buy American Flue-Cure Tobacco Because Of The Trade War. “A major industry in North Carolina remains on edge after an agriculture deal between the U.S. and China last week did not include tobacco. Triple B Farms in eastern North Carolina is one piece of a critical industry in North Carolina. Sixty percent of all U.S. tobacco production is from the state. But this summer, Brandon Batten suffered a blow when China announced it would not purchase flue-cured tobacco in the 2025 crop. ‘It’s put an incredible amount of downward pressure on the price,’ Batten said. ‘Anywhere from 20 to 25% off of where we expected to be.’ China is the leading international buyer of American flue-cured tobacco, which is used to make cigarettes, so losing it was a big deal. ‘The assumption is that it was all to have leverage in their meeting with President Trump on tariffs,’ said N.C. State agriculture professor Jeffrey Dorfman. ‘And that’s the same reason they stopped buying soybeans.’” [Spectrum Local News, 11/4/25]
U.S. Lawmakers Highlighted That Chinese Buyers Delayed Or Refused To Pay For Purchased 2024 Tobacco Leaf In Response To The Trade War With China
U.S. Lawmakers Highlighted That Chinese Buyers Delayed Or Refused To Pay For Purchased 2024 Tobacco Leaf In Response To The Trade War With China. “On Oct 28, Sen. Ted Budd, R-NC, joined Rep. David Rouzer, R-CD07, in leading a bipartisan effort in Congress to urge President Donald Trump to prioritize flue-cured tobacco in his upcoming meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. China is the leading international purchaser of American flue-cured tobacco. Farmers were recently notified that China will not buy flue-cured tobacco from the 2025 crop, a move widely seen as an attempt to gain leverage in ongoing trade negotiations with the United States. This decision leaves approximately 65 million pounds of tobacco without a buyer, resulting in an estimated $220 million in lost export value. ‘Chinese buyers have delayed or refused to pay for purchased 2024 tobacco leaf, including the refusal of shipments from earlier this year,’ wrote lawmakers. ‘The impact on rural communities will be devastating, forcing growers out of tobacco production and threatening the stability of other crops, which depend on tobacco revenues to keep production going. Global competitors such as Brazil and India will quickly fill the gap, displacing U.S. farmers. We urge you to remedy China’s trade practices and ensure our growers maintain this important market.’” [The Carolina Journal, 10/29/25]
North Carolina Was Number One Tobacco Producer In The United States Accounting For Over Half Of U.S. Flue-Cured Tobacco
North Carolina Produced More Than Half Of All U.S. Flue-Cured Tobacco. “North Carolina’s flue-cured tobacco sector is staring at a volatile harvest season as U.S.-China trade tensions shift month to month and buyers reassess 2025 contracts. China Tobacco International has notified suppliers it will not purchase flue-cured tobacco from the 2025 crop — the same crop farmers are currently harvesting — citing uncertainty related to the unstable geopolitical landscape, particularly tariffs. The cancellation, effective Tuesday, was confirmed to North State Journal by N.C. Agribusiness Council President Jeffrey Lee. […] The tobacco decision threatens to eliminate approximately $220 million in export value and diminish farm output by 65 million pounds, a hit that could push many farmers out of tobacco production. North Carolina produces more than half of all U.S. flue-cured tobacco, so any disruption would affect the state. […] ‘Without the Chinese market, many farmers may have no choice but to abandon tobacco or even exit agriculture altogether,’ said Brooks Barnes, a third-generation tobacco farmer in Lucama. ‘This is a decision I hope I am not forced to make.’” [North State Journal, 8/21/25]
The Carolina Journal: North Carolina Was Number One Tobacco Producer In The United States Accounting For 60% Of U.S. Tobacco. “North Carolina, the nation’s leader in tobacco exports, could face economic fallout from the Trump administration’s recent tariff increases, which have set off a spiraling trade war. North Carolina produces 260.1 million pounds of tobacco annually, accounting for 60% of US tobacco production and making North Carolina the No. 1 producer in the nation. ‘I know tobacco growers are busy planting their crops now to honor the 2025 contracts they have in place with China,’ Steve Troxler, commissioner of the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (NCDA&CS) told the Carolina Journal. ‘In the meantime, we continue to monitor these trade negotiations very closely, waiting to see what the outcome will be because it is a very fluid situation. Going back to the last trade negotiations that were initiated, the president was very good about helping farmers who had adverse effects. In fact, he was the first president in a very long time who included tobacco.’” [The Carolina Journal, 4/22/25]
China Was The Leading International Buyer Of American Flue-Cured Tobacco
China Was The Leading International Buyer Of American Flue-Cured Tobacco. “A major industry in North Carolina remains on edge after an agriculture deal between the U.S. and China last week did not include tobacco. Triple B Farms in eastern North Carolina is one piece of a critical industry in North Carolina. Sixty percent of all U.S. tobacco production is from the state. But this summer, Brandon Batten suffered a blow when China announced it would not purchase flue-cured tobacco in the 2025 crop. ‘It’s put an incredible amount of downward pressure on the price,’ Batten said. ‘Anywhere from 20 to 25% off of where we expected to be.’ China is the leading international buyer of American flue-cured tobacco, which is used to make cigarettes, so losing it was a big deal. ‘The assumption is that it was all to have leverage in their meeting with President Trump on tariffs,’ said N.C. State agriculture professor Jeffrey Dorfman. ‘And that’s the same reason they stopped buying soybeans.’” [Spectrum Local News, 11/4/25]
- Some North Carolina Farmers Said Half Of The Tobacco They Grew Went To China. “‘I was disappointed… the fact that it wasn’t mentioned is of concern because it is huge for our state,’ said Batten, who co-owns Triple B Farms. ‘I think just mentioning it could have moved the needle some.’ Batten said if China doesn’t resume its purchases next year it could have a significant financial impact. He said a little more than half of the tobacco he grows goes to China. ‘Certainly something needed to be done on the unfair trade policies we had been exposed to over the last several years, even decades. But the short-term pain, you got to be able to survive that, to make it to the long-term benefits,’ Batten said. Brent Leggett is a partner of Leggett Farming Partnership in North Carolina and says tobacco is the top revenue generator for his farm. He’s optimistic an agreement will be reached. ‘Hopefully, we can have a trade deal where China can once again be a great customer of the U.S.,’ Leggett said.” [Spectrum Local News, 11/4/25]
- Spectrum Local News Headline: “N.C. Farmers On Edge After Trump-China Deal Leaves Out Tobacco.” [Spectrum Local News, 11/4/25]
Public Radio For Eastern North Carolina: China Was The Largest Buyer Of U.S. Flue-Cured Tobacco Buying Between 60-65 Million Pounds A Year. “An eastern North Carolina lawmaker is calling on the federal government to take action to support North Carolina’s flue-cured tobacco farmers, who are facing significant financial hardship after the abrupt halt of exports to China. In a letter sent this week to U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins, Representative Don Davis urged immediate coordination between their departments to help protect tobacco growers and provide relief for the mounting losses. ‘Flue-cured tobacco is a cornerstone of eastern North Carolina’s economy,’ Davis said. ‘When trade disruptions occur, tobacco growers should not be left experiencing the greatest harm.’ China has historically been the largest buyer of U.S. flue-cured tobacco, buying between 60–65 million pounds each year, but the recent withdrawal of Chinese buyers has left nearly 60 million pounds of unsold product with a more than $220 million export value.” [Public Radio For Eastern North Carolina, 10/7/25]
China’s Decision To Not Buy American Flue-Cured Tobacco Threatened To Eliminate Approximately $220 Million In Export Value And Diminish Farm Output By 65 Million Pounds
China’s Decision To Not Buy American Flue-Cured Tobacco Threatened To Eliminate Approximately $220 Million In Export Value And Diminish Farm Output By 65 Million Pounds. “North Carolina’s flue-cured tobacco sector is staring at a volatile harvest season as U.S.-China trade tensions shift month to month and buyers reassess 2025 contracts. China Tobacco International has notified suppliers it will not purchase flue-cured tobacco from the 2025 crop — the same crop farmers are currently harvesting — citing uncertainty related to the unstable geopolitical landscape, particularly tariffs. The cancellation, effective Tuesday, was confirmed to North State Journal by N.C. Agribusiness Council President Jeffrey Lee. […] The tobacco decision threatens to eliminate approximately $220 million in export value and diminish farm output by 65 million pounds, a hit that could push many farmers out of tobacco production. North Carolina produces more than half of all U.S. flue-cured tobacco, so any disruption would affect the state. […] ‘Without the Chinese market, many farmers may have no choice but to abandon tobacco or even exit agriculture altogether,’ said Brooks Barnes, a third-generation tobacco farmer in Lucama. ‘This is a decision I hope I am not forced to make.’” [North State Journal, 8/21/25]
- North Carolina Farmer: “Without The Chinese Market, Many Farmers May Have No Choice But To Abandon Tobacco Or Even Exit Agriculture Altogether.” “North Carolina’s flue-cured tobacco sector is staring at a volatile harvest season as U.S.-China trade tensions shift month to month and buyers reassess 2025 contracts. China Tobacco International has notified suppliers it will not purchase flue-cured tobacco from the 2025 crop — the same crop farmers are currently harvesting — citing uncertainty related to the unstable geopolitical landscape, particularly tariffs. The cancellation, effective Tuesday, was confirmed to North State Journal by N.C. Agribusiness Council President Jeffrey Lee. […] The tobacco decision threatens to eliminate approximately $220 million in export value and diminish farm output by 65 million pounds, a hit that could push many farmers out of tobacco production. North Carolina produces more than half of all U.S. flue-cured tobacco, so any disruption would affect the state. […] ‘Without the Chinese market, many farmers may have no choice but to abandon tobacco or even exit agriculture altogether,’ said Brooks Barnes, a third-generation tobacco farmer in Lucama. ‘This is a decision I hope I am not forced to make.’” [North State Journal, 8/21/25]
Tariffs Put North Carolina’s Tobacco Industry That Had 822 Tobacco Farms That Generated $557 Million In Revenue And Employed 5,000 Workers At Risk
North Carolina Had 822 Tobacco Farms That Generated $557 Million In Revenue And Employed 5,000 Workers
North Carolina Had 822 Tobacco Farms That Generated $557 Million In Revenue And Employed 5,000 Workers. “In 2024, North Carolina exported $5.9 billion in goods to China, according to the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative. China remains a key buyer across multiple N.C. commodities, including oilseeds and meat. Trade groups and USDA data show farm communities remain tightly tied to export demand — about one-fifth of U.S. farm production by value is sold abroad. The state’s tobacco footprint extends far beyond fields. According to an IMPLAN-based analysis, North Carolina’s 822 tobacco farms generated $557 million in revenue and $197 million in state GDP in 2025. Tobacco manufacturing generates roughly $36 billion in output, adds $31 billion to GDP and employs approximately 5,000 workers earning $370 million in wages. The wholesale sector contributes another $15.3 billion in revenue, adds $9 billion to GDP and employs 4,500 jobs. China has raised tariffs on U.S. goods, with reports in the tobacco trade press citing increases from 34% to 84%. Subsequent updates reported temporary tariff reductions in May while negotiations continued — underscoring how quickly the landscape can change and why exporters are hesitating. ‘Without the Chinese market, many farmers may have no choice but to abandon tobacco or even exit agriculture altogether,’ said Brooks Barnes, a third-generation tobacco farmer in Lucama. ‘This is a decision I hope I am not forced to make.’” [North State Journal, 8/21/25]
- North State Journal Headline: “NC Tobacco Farmers Face Uncertainty As China Cancels Contracts.” [North State Journal, 8/21/25]
Tobacco Manufacturers Generated $36 Billion In Output And Contributed $31 Billion To North Carolina’s GDP
Tobacco Manufacturers Generated $36 Billion In Output And Contributed $31 Billion To North Carolina’s GDP. “North Carolina has 822 tobacco farms, generating a revenue of $557 million and adding $197 million to the state’s GDP, according to Regulatory Smoke: The Economic Impacts of Proposed FDA Tobacco Regulations, a report from the John Locke Foundation. Tobacco manufacturers in the state generate $36 billion in output and contribute $31 billion to the state’s GDP, employing approximately 5,000 workers and paying them $370 million in wages. The tobacco wholesale sector brings in $15.3 billion in revenue, adds $9 billion to the GDP, and supports around 4,500 jobs. The imposed tariffs could result in a significant downturn in these numbers. International markets, such as China, could also see a substantial downturn in exports due to increased tariffs, which would have a trickle-down effect on the state’s economy and agriculture sector. ‘China is a significant market for North Carolina agriculture, as it is the leading export market for us, and for a number of commodities including pork, poultry, tobacco, and lumber,’ Troxler told CJ. ‘We have worked hard to develop strong business relationships there and want to see them continue.’” [The Carolina Journal, 4/22/25]
North Carolina’s Tobacco Industry Was At Risk Because Of The Trade War
The Carolina Journal: “North Carolina, The Nation’s Leader In Tobacco Exports, Could Face Economic Fallout From The Trump Administration’s Recent Tariff Increases, Which Have Set Off A Spiraling Trade War.” “North Carolina, the nation’s leader in tobacco exports, could face economic fallout from the Trump administration’s recent tariff increases, which have set off a spiraling trade war. North Carolina produces 260.1 million pounds of tobacco annually, accounting for 60% of US tobacco production and making North Carolina the No. 1 producer in the nation. ‘I know tobacco growers are busy planting their crops now to honor the 2025 contracts they have in place with China,’ Steve Troxler, commissioner of the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (NCDA&CS) told the Carolina Journal. ‘In the meantime, we continue to monitor these trade negotiations very closely, waiting to see what the outcome will be because it is a very fluid situation. Going back to the last trade negotiations that were initiated, the president was very good about helping farmers who had adverse effects. In fact, he was the first president in a very long time who included tobacco.’” [The Carolina Journal, 4/22/25]
- The Carolina Journal Headline: “The Impact Of Trade War On NC Tobacco.” [The Carolina Journal, 4/22/26]
- Tobacco Asia Headline: “Tariff War With China To Hit US Tobacco Farmers.” [Tobacco Asia, 5/6/25]
- Spectrum Local News Headline: “Tariffs Could Make N.C. Tobacco Farmers Collateral In Trade War With China.” [Spectrum Local News, 4/11/25]
2025: North Carolina Experienced A Year-Over-Year Decline In Tobacco Production Despite Being One Of The State’s Largest Commodities
2025: North Carolina Had A Year-Over-Year Decline In Tobacco Production Despite Being One Of The State’s Largest Commodities. “According to the latest data from the US Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), the 2025 trade deficit was $901.5 billion, down slightly from $918.4 billion in 2024. Expert analysis reveals the impact of trade patterns stemming from the deficit across major industries, including agriculture and pharmaceuticals, two of the state’s largest. […] Despite being one of the state’s largest commodities, North Carolina has seen a year-over-year decline in tobacco production. According to the BEA report, unmanufactured tobacco fell year over year by $218 million, from $1,059 million in 2024 to $841 million in 2025. Manufactured tobacco increased by $328 million from $529 million in 2024 to $867 million in 2025.” [The Carolina Journal, 2/23/26]
- 2025: Unmanufactured Tobacco Fell Year Over Year By $218 Million, From $1,059 Million In North Carolina. “According to the latest data from the US Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), the 2025 trade deficit was $901.5 billion, down slightly from $918.4 billion in 2024. Expert analysis reveals the impact of trade patterns stemming from the deficit across major industries, including agriculture and pharmaceuticals, two of the state’s largest. […] Despite being one of the state’s largest commodities, North Carolina has seen a year-over-year decline in tobacco production. According to the BEA report, unmanufactured tobacco fell year over year by $218 million, from $1,059 million in 2024 to $841 million in 2025. Manufactured tobacco increased by $328 million from $529 million in 2024 to $867 million in 2025.” [The Carolina Journal, 2/23/26]
- The Carolina Journal Headline: “Tariffs Leave NC’s Trade Deficit Largely Unmoved.” [The Carolina Journal, 2/23/26]